Annika Zillekens: A goodbye with a smile to the Olympics in Versailles

Von Kl Redaktion

a farewell with mixed feelings: Annika Zillekens and the Olympic experiences

Versailles (dpa) - the last competition of Annika Zillekens, one of the most famous athletes in the modern pentathlon, was an emotional roller coaster ride. Despite the sobering placement as the 15th in the final of the Olympic Games, the 34-year-old celebrated a conciliatory end of her career and looked back with a smile at the numerous challenges that she had to deal with during her career.

Review of turbulent times

The events before the competition in Versailles were characterized by unexpected twists and memories of past Olympics. In the 2021 games in Tokyo, Zillekens, at that time still under the name Schleu, caused excitement when her horse refused to jump and desperately tried to get it. This led to massive allegations of the cruelty to animals, which were ultimately set. This story hovered like a shadow over her very last competition.

Another challenging jumping riding

Zillekens experienced a déjà-vu in the semi-finals of Versailles when her horse Arezzo de Riverland again stumbled while showing off and was in danger of participating in the final. Despite these setbacks, she only got the opportunity hours later to take part in the decisive competition. "The competition for me briefly collapsed," the athlete recalled the moment of uncertainty.

spontaneous competition and emotional feedback

with an exciting journey that included an eight-kilometer run from the Olympic village, Zillekens began her competition day. Despite the short time and physical exhaustion, she made a flawless ride, which gave her the opportunity to say goodbye to the games. "That was the most important thing for me today," she said after the ride. After difficulties in the other disciplines-fencing, swimming and the final laser run-Zillekens finally found an unexpected moment of happiness in the chaos of the morning: a metro ticket for shooting, which was provided by her national coach.

reorientation: the end of an era

For the future, it is clear: riding has had its day in a modern pentathlon. In four years, a new format will be introduced with a “Ninja Warrior” course, which means a complete realignment of the disciplines. World Association President Klaus Schormann said: "We say bye bye to the horses." While Zillekens visited her sporting career, she expressed her peace with the Olympic Games and the decisions that she shaped. «I have now taken everything four times. It's not the happy ending, but it's a nice story, I have experienced a lot, »she emphasized.

A generation says goodbye

The experiences gained from four Olympic Games and the change in the modern pentathlon paint a picture of change in sport. The farewell to horses and the transition to new challenges will not only affect Zillekens, but also other athletes. A new trend in the modern pentathlon is sending a new generation into the future - ready to face the upcoming challenges.